Yellow flagging the Bahamas?

[jhovan]

Many cruise ships use a 24 hour rule to prevent having every passenger to check in to the country at each stop.

[seacap]

I have never heard of a 24 hour rule. I think someone is pulling your leg.

If you are sailing from point A to point B, but need to pass through the waters of another country you don't need to clear in. But as soon as you stop, you must clear in. Now you will need to clear out also. Many countries will let you clear in and out if you will only be there 24-48 hours.

You absolutely must clear out as you will need those papers for the next port you clear into.

I know it's a PITA, but you will need to get use to it.

[nautical62]

The Bahamas have been very clear that they want you to check in at the nearest port of entry.

When I was sailing past the Turks and Caicos (on the banks)- They hailed me when I was 12 miles off shore, and said I had to come in to clear, even though I was making no landfall. I was out of sight of land but Provo radar picked me up.

[John A]

If you arrive on the weekend, don't wait until Monday to check-in and avoid the overtime fees! They check your departure time from your last port of call., and they've heard all the stories before.

When checking in/out of Trinidad ALWAYS tell them you arrived 30 minutes ago and when leaving tell them your leaving in 30 minibus with no stops, and don't. stop.

[denverd0n]

Originally Posted by jhovan

I believe there are maritime laws that allow stopping for safety. ie. Single handed sailor needing sleep.

In this case, too, you are misunderstanding. There are "safe harbor" agreements that many countries have accepted (but not all). This means they will not deny you entry in case of an emergency. But even still, they MAY require you to check in (and most will).

What's more, sleep management is a fundamental part of single-handing. Poor planning, that leaves you too tired to go on at a time when you weren't planning to stop, would not ordinarily be considered an "emergency." It would simply be considered "poor planning."

[Jeannius]

Originally Posted by jhovan

ps. Why are humans always more energetic about telling others what they cannot do? Hmmm.

You can get away with yellow flagging it once you get to the French West Indies. I once spent 3 days trying to clear in at Isles des Saintes but there was never anyone at the customs office. They are pretty relaxed and the nearby islands like Dominica know what the French are like so they don't mind if you arrive with your paperwork not quite in order.

I definitely wouldn't try it in the Bahamas though. They love bureaucracy.

[JusDreaming]

And in Nassau, you will be required to clear if you go through the harbor even if you do not stop. Harbor control will direct you where to go if you have not preplanned. So go around Nassau harbor if you do not plan to clear

[mottseng]

Is it possible to have fuel brought out to you without checking in?

[StuM]

> Is it possible to have fuel brought out to you without checking in?

No. As a general rule, you can't discharge or load anything in any country until cleared.

[mottseng]

Trying to find a way that the OP can avoid the $300 and still get fuel if needed.

[boatman61]

Why not head for somewhere like Ft Pierce then when you get the appropriate window of S'lies go over the top of the Bahamas and E till you can head S for PR... a lot quicker and a lot less fuel used

[jcapo]

Question for the OP. Why would you go anywhere near Georgetown on a passage to Puerto Rico unless you were island hopping through the Bahamas, picking weather windows?

[boatman61]

Well I asked what boat etc and got no reply.. beginning to suspect its maybe a motorboat.. hence the need for re-fuelling.

[SimonV]

I can't understand why people that obviously don't know the answer are giving advice. Admittedly the op would be a fool to take false advice but then they don't know its false. The answer is either yes or no, one gets you in jail and the boat impounded.

Sent from my GT-N7105T using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Vasco]

Originally Posted by mottseng

Is it possible to have fuel brought out to you without checking in?

No and if you're in the Exumas you better check if fuel is available!! It's not unusual for the marinas in the Exumas and the gas stations in GT (only gas stations in the Exumas) to be out of fuel.